Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United fans urged to play their part to ensure everyone's safety as derby day returns

The Black Cats and the Magpies last met in the the Premier League in 2016, but this Sunday (December 14) will see the return of one of British football’s biggest rivalries.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Ever since the fixture was announced, extensive discussions have been held with all parties, and planning has been ongoing to facilitate the safe delivery of the game.

“The wider policing operation will be supported by partners at Nexus, British Transport Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, and the North East Ambulance Service – as well as both football clubs.

“While a large proportion of away fans are being transported via coach to the Stadium of Light, the remainder will be able to make their own way to the match.”

To help ensure the safety of both sets of fans and the wider public, Newcastle United Football Club, Sunderland Association Football Club, police, and transport providers have agreed some minor changes to the Metro system before the game.

Any Metro trains travelling southbound towards the stadium will not stop at Stadium of Light station and Metro trains travelling northbound (from South Hylton) will not stop at St. Peter’s Station.

After the game, home fans wanting to use the Metro should head to the Stadium of Light Metro station to make their way from the grounds – as St. Peter’s will not be accessible at this time.

Kevin Storey, Operations Director at Nexus, said: “The Tyne and Wear Metro will have a significant role to play in helping supporters get to and from the derby game at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

“We have worked closely with Northumbria Police and our other partners on the transport plans for the match so that all our customers can have a safe and enjoyable day.

“We are looking forward to supporting the event and would ask that all supporters follow the travel advice set down by the police, Nexus, and by both football clubs. This will help to ensure that the everything runs smoothly, and that the event stays trouble free.”

On the day, there will be a much larger police presence around the ground than usual and, to further help accommodate the safe arrival and departure of both sets of fans, police cordons will be in place.

Assistant Chief Constable Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “There is understandably widespread excitement for the upcoming game between Sunderland and Newcastle at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

“Football fans in the North East are well known for being amongst the most passionate in the country and this fixture is much-anticipated by supporters of both clubs.

“Our role, and that of our wider partners is to help ensure those attending the game can do so safely and that disruption for other members of the public is kept to a minimum.

“We would therefore ask all fans to work with us to help ensure the match goes ahead without incident.

“We know the overwhelming majority of supporters will follow the advice being shared by ourselves and their respective clubs and will be going to the match to enjoy the occasion.

“However, we want to make it clear to anyone who is intent on using the game as an excuse to cause trouble that this will not be tolerated. Anyone found responsible will subsequently face tough action, including criminal prosecution and potentially being handed a football banning order.

“As well as the increased police presence at the ground, we will also have additional officers in both city centres. Anyone involved in criminality or disorder will be arrested.

“Ultimately, we want to ensure all supporters can have a safe and enjoyable time – and everyone can play their part in achieving that result.”

Chief Inspector Pete Kooper, of British Transport Police, added: "We're incredibly excited to see a return of the Tyne-Wear derby with fans after so many years without this historic fixture.

“While I'm sure the vast majority of fans will be looking to simply enjoy the game and the atmosphere, we'll react emphatically to anyone who uses the opportunity to engage in violence or criminality.

"We urge everyone travelling to or from the game to report any concerns they have to us by texting 61016 or by calling 999 in an emergency. Violence and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated, and we are working closely with our partners to ensure that everyone can enjoy the game without interference or disruption."

The police operation and planning ahead of the game is also being supported by Sunderland and Newcastle city councils.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Michael Mordey, said: “We’re all excited to welcome the Premier League Wear-Tyne derby back to the city and we’re all committed to making it an enjoyable occasion for everyone.

“At the council we have been working closely with partners across the region on ensuring this is a day where everyone at the Stadium of Light and across the city enjoys the match safely and has a great experience.

“Please plan your travel in advance, allow extra time for any checks, and respect any guidance you are given by emergency services and stewards. These measures are in place to help keep everyone safe.”

Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “We know how much this fixture means to supporters on both sides of the rivalry, and fans have waited a long time for the Tyne-Wear derby to return to top-flight football.

“What’s most important though is that people enjoy the occasion safely and responsibly, and fans get to and from the match, or watch from venues across the region, without incident.

“A number of partners have robust measures in place to keep supporters and the wider public safe throughout the day and I would encourage all fans to follow the advice being given and ensure that, come Sunday evening, all we’re talking about is what happens on the pitch.”